camdon

So I decided to add a GT3 to the garage. I am going to go with a 997.

My questions are what are the differences from 2007-2011? What options should I not do without? Not going to track the car. Is the Mezger engine in all of these? Are some years more desirable than others? Also are these cars aluminum or steel or a mix? I know I should and will have a DME report done before buying. Anything else?

Thanks guys

sunnyr

Main difference between 2007/8 (997.1) and 2010/11 (997.2) - bigger engine, more torque, more power. And of course more expensive.
Must have options - none.
Yes, Mezger in all of the 997 GT3s.
Issues - 997.1: RMS leak. 997.2: center lock wheels. Both have coolant pipes that come off especially with tracking/higher milage. Probably worse in .1.
Mix of steel/aluminium (AFAIK)
Do a PPI by a trusted mech.

Good luck.

misterwaterfall

Really depends on what you want. Most things can be added after the fact like buckets. Some things can't like a leather dash which was something that I really wanted. There's only a few things that you're more or less stuck with.
full leather
Stitching color
Wart
Front end lift. There are after market options here though

Everything else you can add, All you need is a check book. Buckets, lsd, pinning/welding lines.

camdon

Thanks guys

jasonturbo

Must have options?

- PDK


...lol

Modena 1

Must haves are personal. Colors. Options.

For instance lots of folks like a leather dash, I had one on my 2007 but not on my 2010 rs and don't miss it at all. However, huge yellow carbon brakes that never make dust are quite nice

In the end I think you need to find the cleanest car you can that checks the most boxes. You won't find the spec you would have wanted from the factory day 1, I can assure you that.

Good luck.

jasonturbo

I went from a loaded 997.1 GT3 with extended leather to 997.1 GT3 RS stripper. There are times I really miss the extended leather and alcantara bits.

Having said that, there is a strange charm to the base cabin, it's quaint and purposeful.

David911

I have a pretty basic 997.1 The option I really wish it had was Xenon headlights, but that is because I daily drive it.

orthofrancis

Ceramic brakes - no dust, and likely cheaper than regular brakes after 80,000 miles since they have minimal wear with street driving (Changed mine at 60K miles - 60% pads left, rotors are still good despite multiple HPDE and AX days).

Xenon lights.

Pin your coolant line coming from engine - it will fail at some point.

gt2-josh

I optioned my first GT3 RS with radio delete, A/C delete and no Xenons. My dealer begged me to get full leather. I declined. We did the full leather on my GT2. Having had both I would not buy another 997 without it. The plastic ages poorly over time. It looks cheap. And it seems that if you breathe on some interior parts wrong they scratch. I have no clue what Porsche was thinking when they put that plastic trim in any of their cars. JBO

gt2-josh

I forgot to mention. Once you take delivery find yourself a nice set of CGT seats. They transform the car and save a lot of weight. JBO

Spyerx

0 options. just the car. there is no option on the 997 GT3 that will make you say "Damn, the driving experience sucked because I didn't have XYZ"

gt2-josh

Other than good seats I fully agree with Spyrex. However if you don't get one with full leather you may say to yourself "damn this interior sucks". Either that or I suggest you look at cars with and without leather before pulling the trigger on one without it. This from a man who was convinced leather was nonsense and a waste of money. JBO

WantA997

Agreed.

nwGTS

My only argument against that is LWB seats and dynamic engine mounts.